Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), declaring that the country’s cricket has “collapsed” following the team’s exit from the 2023 World Cup. Pakistan’s defeat to England, coupled with a failure to restrict the opposition to a low total and achieve the required run rate, led to their elimination from the tournament.
Ramiz Raja, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed frustration with the team’s performance, especially highlighting the bowlers’ inability to take wickets with the new ball. He questioned the effectiveness of captaincy when bowlers struggle early in the game and criticized the PCB’s approach to problem-solving, suggesting that changing the captain and coaching staff may not be the solution.
The former cricketer also called for an end to the practice of leaking news and making statements during major events. He strongly criticized the newly-appointed interim chief selector, Tauseef Ahmed, and questioned the wisdom of appointing a 70-year-old with no apparent expertise in selection.
Raja emphasized the need for passion for the game and urged a change in mindset within the cricket system. He pointed out the problems with local clubs and the mismanagement of grounds, stating that the entire system needs an overhaul, starting with the PCB.
Concluding his remarks, Raja lamented that Pakistan cricket has collapsed, highlighting issues with batting, bowling, and fielding. He called for a fundamental change in the cricket board itself.
Pakistan’s World Cup campaign ended with eight points out of a possible 18, securing victories in four games but facing defeat in five. This marks the fifth time in this century that Pakistan has failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, with their last appearance in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India resulting in a loss.
